The
Wildland/Urban Interface
What's
Really At Risk?
by
Paul Summerfelt
Abstract
The interface has long been a matter of discussion among
land managers and wildland fire professionals. With the release of the National Fire Plan in
the fall of 2000, and subsequent congressional appropriations
designed to treat hazardous fuels, new parties have
joined the debate. The reality is that the interface is bigger than
most realize and some are willing to accept. It can easily encompass several jurisdictions
and ownerships. It
may extend for miles and include substantial public
land. A new definition of interface is required,
along with a commitment to protect and preserve all neighborhood and community values-at-risk.
Various
definitions exist as to exactly what the interface
is and where it is located. One of the most common is that it is "a geographic
area where formerly urban structures, primarily homes,
are built in immediate proximity to naturally occurring
flammable fuels."
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